The Social Network*****

I remember when Facebook was strictly available for college students only. I remember when there was no way to upload photos and put them into an album. I also remember when I logged on once a week and maybe had a single new friend notification. You would think that was decades ago, but it was only five. 619 friends and a blockbuster film later, Facebook is no longer my dorm room activity, but a movie about the changing of societal paradigms of a new generation.

The Social Network begins in 2003 when Harvard undergrad Mark Zuckerberg (Jessie Eisenberg) is at his computer creating a website that rates the attractiveness of females on the Harvard campus. He was then sentenced to six months of academic probation for his exploiting website. However, there was one positive thing that came of his indescretion. The fact that Mark was able to create such a remarkable site in hours caught the attention of twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss (Armie Hammer) become interested in Mark's skills and wanted him to be a part of their business scheme to create a social network for Harvard students.

The events that follow and the chaotic twists and turns that involve Napster founder Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake), take The Social Network from just a Facebook movie into a movie with enough suspense, drama, and legal complications that fictional films could only hope to accomplish.

Giving you a complete rundown of all the entanglements Mr. Zuckerberg faces would not only spoil this amazing film, but would confuse you more then the movie actually does when viewing it. The film is presented in a way that shows Mark testifying in two lawsuits, and the director, David Fincher, creates a film that allows the viewers to really get involved in the legalities of what happened in the conception of a website that now has more than 500 million friends.

Jessie Eisenberg is an extremely talented actor. From the moment he hits the screen as Zuckerberg, you can't help but notice the resemblance between the two. The frustration he showcases throughout the film, as well as his confusion surrounding whether or not to trust the people who are quickly brought into his business venture, are award worthy in every way.

Armie Hammer has the great pleasure of playing twins. One actor, two roles, a task that would be somewhat easy if the charters were fictional. However, Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss are real people, and Hammer brings both brothers a sense of individuality, while making sure that the audience is able to differentiate the two.

Justin Timberlake is surprisingly acceptable as Sean Parker, and we finally see Timberlake portray a character that is beyond his musician persona. He was a great fit for the film, and perfect in bringing out the arrogance and trouble that Parker endowed.

I haven't mentioned Andrew Garfield yet in my review, not because he wasn't memorable, only because writing a movie review I pick and choose what is important in my synopsis. Garfield plays Eduardo Saverin, Zuckerberg's best friend, although as the movie progresses the friendship slowly deteriorates. The emotion you feel for Eduardo toward the end of the movie is well acted by Garfield, and, in my opinion, the underdog of this film.

You can definitely expect a nomination for Eisenberg, and if he wasn't a "newcomer" I would put his odds pretty high in winning. Hammer should get nominated for his dual performance, but preseason award shows haven't shown him much love. Timberlake is getting a similiar reception. The film will be the front-runner for best picture along with director David Fincher. Also, as I mentioned earlier, Andrew Garfield deserves a nod in the supporting category too, but unfortunately I don't see three actors from this film getting recognized in the same category. We can keep our fingers crossed for one at least.